Typhoid fever is a medical condition that is caused by the bacteria salmonella typhi; these bacteria can enter the human body through contaminated food and water and by coming in contact with the feaces of a human carrier, then they multiply and spread from the intestine to the bloodstream.
Annually, 21 million people are affected by this disease worldwide and 200,000 people die from this disease yearly.
Symptoms of this disease are very high temperature, stomach pains, feeling weak and tired, diarrhea, chills, delirium, constipation, vomiting, loss of appetite, mood swings, nose bleeds, blood in stools, headaches, skin rashes and in severe cases mild confusion, hallucinations, enlarged liver, lethargy and loss of coordination.
This disease can be handles medically but we will be looking at natural remedies for typhoid fever in this article.
Drink lots of clean water
Typhoid comes with high temperature and fever which will make you dehydrated; so taking about 8-10 glasses of water each day will help replaced lost fluid, keeps you hydrated and aids quick elimination of toxins from the body.
Coconut water, herbal teas, fresh fruit juices, smoothies, vegetable soups and glucose water will also help because of their added nutrient benefits.
Lemons
Its very high amount of Vitamin C helps in strengthen the immune system; it also has many minerals and helps in alkalizing the gastrointestinal tract. You can take the juice every morning before meals; you can add honey for taste.
Those with ulcers and kidney problems should be careful because too much lemon juice can make the symptoms worse and it can even cause tooth erosion.
Bananas
Banana aids in bring down high temperature and helps to treat diarrhea in typhoid patients. It has pectin that helps to absorb liquid in the intestine due to its soluble fiber, thus helping to stop or reduce diarrhea.
It contains potassium that can help to replace potassium lost due to diarrhea and fever. Eat lots of bananas when down with typhoid.
Carrots
The high anti-oxidant content in carrots helps to protect the body from the attacks of bacteria including Salmonella typhi, the bacteria that cause typhoid. Add it generously to your meals and you can also eat them in large quantities.
Cold compresses
Will help to bring down high temperature associated with typhoid; does not use ice or very cold water as it will worsen it.
Honey
This helps to supply the body with energy; it stimulates the body to absorb more nutrients thereby helping with loss of appetite and digestion. You can consume a teaspoon honey in a cup of water.
Oranges
They have a wide variety of mineral and vitamins (especially vitamin C which helps in strengthening the immune system; their water content also helps in hydrating the body and it has a cooling effect that helps relieve discomforts and stress caused by typhoid fever.
Coconut water
This water is rich in many minerals like sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, fats and carbohydrates. They help to replace nutrients lost through diarrhea.
Garlic
The anti-microbial property of garlic makes it powerful in fighting Salmonella typhi, it also strengthens the immune system, eliminates harmful toxins and speeds up recovery.
When you are down with typhoid, eat 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic daily on an empty stomach for a couple of weeks or till you get relief from the symptoms. Note that garlic is not to be taken by pregnant women and children.
Apple cider vinegar
It increases energy, its high acid content helps to draw out heat from the skin, and it replenishes lost minerals due to diarrhea.
You can take it orally by mixing half teaspoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of water; you can add a little honey for taste. Drink it before your meals and you can take it for 5-7 days.
Oral Rehydration Solution
This will help the body to replace and minerals due to diarrhea, it will reduce typhoid symptoms, quicken recovery and it will also hydrate the body.
You can buy from the pharmacy good ORS or ORT or you can make your at home by pouring 4 cups in clean water in a jug, mix half teaspoon of salt and six teaspoons of sugar, mix the solution thoroughly and take it every day. Make sure you finish it that day and do not drink it the next day if it remains, make a fresh one.
Ginger
This powerful herb helps supplies the body with nutrients and phytochemicals that it needs in fighting typhoid; it also has anti-bacterial property. You can take the tea and also add it to your meals or chew it raw.
Guava leaves
This is a good choice when you want to deal with typhoid naturally; its astringent properties reduce mucus, disinfect the respiratory tract, clear the throat and prevents the activities of bacteria.
It is also rich in vitamin C and Iron, which helps in boosting the immune system and helping the body to produce more blood. You can crush guava leaves to extract the juice, mix in a cup of water and drink it daily.
Bitter leaf
The juice of bitter leaf is a great remedy for typhoid because it contains many powerful nutrients and phytochemicals. Over consumption of this juice can cause heavy purging, so be careful when taking it.
Lemon grass
This leaves are powerful in fighting typhoid fever due to their powerful active compound Citral; Citral has anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-fungi properties, boil the leaves and drink the juice three times daily.
You can add a cup of pineapple juice to make it sweet and for nutrient benefit. You can also apply lemon grass essential oil mixed with coconut or olive oil on your to ease muscle and joint pains that comes along with typhoid.
When you are down with typhoid, make sure you wash your hand after using the toilet; practice good health and sanitary hygiene to prevent passing the bacteria to others. Wash your hands before preparing meals and always practice routine washing of hands.
Rest properly to help your body fight off this sickness. Eat well, eat nutritious and balanced meals, avoid milk, dairy products, sugars, ice creams, caffeinated drinks, carbonated drinks and alcohols.
Drink only pure and purified water regularly; avoid any water that you are not sure of the source or purity. Be careful with public foods, in fact avoid eating anything that has been handled by someone else that you are not sure of how neat they are and how they prepared the food.
Avoid eating unwashed fruits and vegetables, before you take any fruit and vegetables wash them properly in case the soil or water used for farming is contaminated with Salmonella typhi, if possible peel the back of fruits before eating them. If after all these remedies, symptoms still persist please do not hesitate to see a doctor.
